A “landmark” deal for cargo flights from Teesside International Airport to China has been sealed. The agreement establishes a new long-haul air freight link, which airport bosses say delivers a significant boost for regional trade and global connectivity.
Leading UK-based worldwide air freight carrier, European Cargo, today (March 3) confirmed the creation of an operational base at Teesside Airport Business Park, in a multi-million-pound investment strengthening the airport’s position as a key logistics gateway for the North of England.
The job-creating agreement will see the launch of five weekly cargo flights to a strategic trade hub starting this month. The service provides the capacity to transport up to 375 tonnes of freight each week.
Airport managing director Phil Forster said: “This is a transformational agreement for our airport and a further major milestone in delivering on our ambition to establish Teesside as a leading UK centre for the aviation and logistics industry. Securing a new freight base and direct links to China is a pivotal moment that significantly strengthens our commercial offering and demonstrates the confidence global operators have in what we are building here.
“The impact of this deal will be substantial – not only in boosting cargo operations and revenue, but in firmly positioning the airport as a strategic location for aviation, freight and future investment. It underlines our ambition to develop a highly commercially successful airport that plays an essential role in driving the region’s economic future.”
European Cargo’s chief operating officer Iain Edwards said: “Our investment in Teesside reflects our confidence in the region’s infrastructure and its potential as a premier logistics gateway. We are proud that this expansion will drive local job creation and provide a meaningful boost to the regional economy, while further cementing Teesside’s status as a world-class centre for air freight and international trade.”
The new service will fly direct from Teesside with European Cargo’s dedicated fleet of Airbus A340-600 long-haul freighters which can transport up to 76 metric tonnes of cargo – the equivalent of 12 adult African elephants.
Lee Jones, European Cargo Chief Commercial Officer, Bob Matheroo, Teesside International Airport Head of Cargo, Iain Edwards, European Cargo Chief Commercial Officer, Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport Managing Director.(Image: Teesside International Airport)
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is a hugely significant announcement for Teesside Airport and for our wider local economy.” He added: “Growing commercial operations is central to our long-term plan to make the airport financially sustainable, while also creating more well-paid, high-quality jobs for local people.
“It shows our airport is not only connecting people but opening up global trade routes that will support local firms, attract further investment and help drive economic growth across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.”
The deal follows several investments from the private sector at Teesside Airport in the past year, including Willis Aviation Services Limited’s recently opened £13.5million aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, the development of two aircraft painting facilities operated by Airbourne Colours and the construction of a new £7m hangar by aerospace firm Draken.
The news comes after the airport reported a profit in its latest published accounts – which also show a £10m Government grant. The airport has released accounts for the year to March 31 which show that its turnover rose from £14.9m a year earlier to £16.9m.
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